Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Other assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Discount rate, present value of future revenue Discounting Rate Present Value of Future Revenue from Proved Oil and Gas Reserves Discounting rate present value of future revenue from proved oil and gas reserves. Impairment charges Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties Capitalized general and administrative costs Capitalized General And Administrative Costs Capitalized general and administrative costs. Interest costs capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Antidilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Oil and natural gas revenues Oil and Gas [Member] Third-party midstream services revenues Natural Gas, Midstream [Member] Sales of purchased natural gas Natural Gas, Sales [Member] Natural Gas, Sales [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Exploration and Production Exploration and Production Segment [Member] Exploration and Production Segment [Member] Midstream Midstream Segment [Member] Midstream Segment Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Consolidations and Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Realized gain (loss) on derivatives Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Expenses Costs and Expenses Operating (loss) income Operating Income (Loss) Total assets Assets Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Depletion, depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Capital expenditures attributable to non-controlling interest Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Noncontrolling Interest Capital expenditures attributable to land and seismic acquisition expenditures Payments To Acquire Productive Assets, Land And Seismic Acquisition Expenditures Payments To Acquire Productive Assets, Land And Seismic Acquisition Expenditures Other (expense) income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] San Mateo San Mateo [Member] San Mateo [Member] San Mateo II San Mateo Midstream [Member] San Mateo Midstream [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Matador Resources Company Parent [Member] Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance, shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Issuance of common stock pursuant to directors' and advisors' compensation plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock compensation plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of common stock pursuant to directors' and advisors' compensation plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services Issuance of common stock pursuant to directors’ and advisors’ compensation plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services Stock-based compensation expense related to equity-based awards including amounts capitalized Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock options exercised, net of options forfeited in net share settlements (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock options exercised, net of options forfeited in net share settlements Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation and Exercise of Stock Options Restricted stock forfeited (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Restricted stock forfeited Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Contribution related to formation of property Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Formation of Joint Venture Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Formation of Joint Venture Contributions from non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Distributions to non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Current period net (loss) income Ending Balance, shares Ending balance Leases [Abstract] Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term Lessee, Lease Term [Abstract] Lessee, Lease Term [Abstract] Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Financing leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Axis] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts [Axis] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Oil Producing Property [Domain] Oil and Gas Delivery Commitments and Contracts, Oil Producing Property [Domain] Drilling Rig Leases Drilling Rig Leases [Member] Drilling Rig Leases [Member] Drilling Rig Leases And Other Equipment Rentals Drilling Rig Leases And Other Equipment Rentals [Member] Drilling Rig Leases And Other Equipment Rentals [Member] Lease operating Operating Lease Expense [Member] Operating Lease Expense [Member] Plant and other midstream services Oil and Gas Service [Member] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Operating leases Operating Lease, Cost Short-term leases Short-term Lease, Cost Financing leases Finance Lease, Cost [Abstract] Depreciation of assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Total financing leases Finance Lease, Cost Finance Lease, Cost Total lease expense Lease, Cost Gross payments Other Payments For Leases Other Payments For Leases Operating Leases Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract] 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total lease obligations Less current obligations Operating Lease, Liability, Current Long-term lease obligations Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Financing Leases Finance Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract] 2019 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less imputed interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total lease obligations Finance Lease, Liability Less current obligations Finance Lease, Liability, Current Long-term lease obligations Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Contribution related to formation of San Mateo, tax Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Formation Of Joint Venture, Tax Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Formation Of Joint Venture, Tax Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Period [Domain] Derivative Contract, Period [Domain] [Domain] for Derivative Contract, Period [Axis] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period One Derivative Contract, Calculation Period One [Member] Derivative Contract, Calculation Period One [Member] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Short Call Short [Member] Long Call Long [Member] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Axis] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Axis] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Domain] Open Option Contracts Written Type [Domain] Open costless collar contracts Open Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open costless collar contracts. Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open Three-way Costless Collar Contracts [Member] Open Swap Collar Contracts Open Swap Contracts [Member] Open Swap Contracts [Member] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Petroleum Reserves [Axis] Type of Reserve [Domain] Type of Reserve [Domain] Oil - WTI Oil - WTI [Member] Oil - WTI [Member] Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Oil Basis Swaps Oil Basis Swap [Member] Oil Basis Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Summary of contracts for oil and natural gas Open Costless Collar Contracts for Oil and Natural Gas [Abstract] Open costless collar contracts for oil and natural gas. Notional Quantity (Bbl or MMBtu) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price Weighted Average Price Floor ($/Bbl or $/MMBtu) Derivative, Floor Price Weighted Average Price Ceiling ($/Bbl or $/MMBtu) Derivative, Cap Price Fair Value of Asset (Liability) Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Equity [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Matador Parent Company [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminating Entries Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Total revenues Revenues Total expenses Interest expense Interest Expense Other (expense) income Other Income Earnings in subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax (Loss) income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Total income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income attributable to Matador Resources Company shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Derivative liability Derivative Asset (Liability), Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Net Operating leases Asset And Liabilities, Lessee, Operating Leases [Abstract] Asset And Liabilities, Lessee, Operating Leases [Abstract] Other current liabilities Other long-term liabilities Total operating lease liabilities Financing leases Assets And Liabilities, Lessee, Finance Leases [Abstract] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee, Finance Leases [Abstract] Other property and equipment, at cost Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Accumulated depreciation Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Net property and equipment Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Other current liabilities Other long-term liabilities Total financing lease liabilities Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash Total cash and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Supplemental Disclosures [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures. Supplemental Disclosures [Table] Supplemental Disclosures [Table] Supplemental disclosures. Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs Accrued Evaluated and Unproved and Unevaluated Property Costs [Member] Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs. Accrued midstream property costs Accrued Support Equipment and Facilities Costs [Member] Accrued support equipment and facilities costs. Accrued lease operating expenses Accrued Lease Operating Expenses [Member] Accrued lease operating expenses. Accrued interest on debt Accrued Interest On Borrowings Under Credit Agreement [Member] Accrued interest on borrowings under credit agreement. Accrued asset retirement obligations Accrued Asset Retirement Obligations [Member] Accrued asset retirement obligations. Accrued partners’ share of joint interest charges Accrued Partners Share Of Joint Interest Charges [Member] Accrued Partners Share Of Joint Interest Charges [Member] Other Other Accrued Liability [Member] Other Accrued Liability [Member] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items] Supplemental disclosures. Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value Of Net Minimum Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value Of Net Minimum Payments Less imputed interest Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included In Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included In Payments Total lease obligation Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less current obligations Operating Lease Obligations, Current Operating Lease Obligations, Current Long-term lease obligations Operating Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Operating Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Financing Leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2023 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Less imputed interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Total lease obligation Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Less current obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Disaggregation of revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Reconciliations of basic and diluted distributed and undistributed earnings (loss) per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Summary of the valuation of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Assets (Liabilities) Asset (Liabilities) [Abstract] Asset liability. Derivative Asset Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Total Derivative, Fair Value, Net Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Oil Oil [Member] Natural Gas Revenues Revenues [Member] Revenues. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Summary of location and aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract] Realized gain (loss) on derivatives Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives Total Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Summary of current accrued liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Oil and natural gas revenues Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Joint interest billings Oil and Gas Joint Interest Billing Receivables, Current Other Other Receivables, Net, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Current Lease and well equipment inventory Other Inventory, Net of Reserves Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Oil and natural gas properties, full-cost method Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Net [Abstract] Evaluated Oil and Gas Property, Full Cost Method, Gross Unproved and unevaluated Capitalized Costs, Unproved Properties Midstream properties Natural Gas, Midstream Properties Natural Gas, Midstream Properties Other property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Less accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets Other Assets [Abstract] Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Royalties payable Accrued Royalties, Current Amounts due to affiliates Due to Affiliate, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Advances from joint interest owners Advances From Joint Interest Owners For Costs Incurred On Joint Interest Wells Amounts received from joint interest owners in advance of costs being incurred on wells in which they have a joint interest. Amounts due to joint ventures Due to Joint Ventures, Current Due to Joint Ventures, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Borrowings under Credit Agreement Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Borrowings under San Mateo Credit Facility Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Senior unsecured notes payable Debt Instrument, Face Amount Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock - $0.01 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized; 116,593,623 and 116,374,503 shares issued; and 116,388,175 and 116,353,590 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury stock, at cost, 205,448 and 20,913 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total Matador Resources Company shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders’ equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of changes in Company's asset retirement obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives Accretion of asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amortization of debt issuance cost Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Lease and well equipment inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Royalties payable Increase (Decrease) in Royalties Payable Advances from joint interest owners Increase Decrease in Payments Made in Advance by Joint Interest Partners in Oil and Gas Properties The increase (decrease) in payments made in advance by joint interest partners in oil and gas properties. Other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Deferred Liability Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures Payments to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Properties Midstream capital expenditures Payments To Acquire Midstream Capital Expenditures Payments To Acquire Midstream Capital Expenditures Midstream capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under Credit Agreement Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Contributions related to formation of San Mateo I Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Contributions from non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions to non-controlling interest owners of less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Taxes paid related to net share settlement of stock-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Cash paid under financing lease obligations Finance Lease, Principal Payments Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Decrease in cash and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash and restricted cash at end of period Lease, Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Lessee, Lease Terms Lessee, Lease Terms [Table Text Block] Lessee, Lease Terms [Table Text Block] Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Total revenues Expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Production taxes, transportation and processing Production Taxes and Marketing Taxes assessed on oil and gas production, and compression, transportation and marketing expenses. Lease operating Operating Lease, Expense Plant and other midstream services operating Cost of Services, Oil and Gas Purchased natural gas Oil And Gas, Purchases Of Natural Gas Oil And Gas, Purchases Of Natural Gas General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Operating income Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax (benefit) provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred Net (loss) income Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries (Loss) earnings per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Interim Financial Statements, Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Significant Estimates Interim Financial Statements Basis Of Presentation Consolidation And Significant Estimates [Policy Text Block] Interim financial statements basis of presentation consolidation and significant estimates. Change in Accounting Principles and Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Selected financial information for segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental disclosures. Changes in the Company's asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Beginning asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Liabilities incurred during period Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Accretion expense Ending asset retirement obligations Less: current asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Long-term asset retirement obligations Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Eliminating Entries Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Intercompany receivable Receivables, Intercompany Receivables, Intercompany Current assets Other Assets, Current Net property and equipment Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Long-term assets Intercompany payable Payables, Intercompany Payables, Intercompany Current liabilities Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Senior unsecured notes payable Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Total equity attributable to Matador Resources Company Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries Total liabilities and equity Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] NATURE OF OPERATIONS Nature of Operations [Text Block] ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving Credit Agreement [Table] Revolving credit agreement. Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Unsecured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes Due 2026 Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Third Amended Credit Agreement Third Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Third amended credit agreement. San Mateo Credit Facility San Mateo Credit Facility [Member] San Mateo Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Agreement [Line Items] Revolving Credit Agreement [Line Items] Revolving credit agreement. Long-term debt outstanding Long-term Debt Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Line of credit facility Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Long-term line of credit Long-term Line of Credit Summary of the valuation of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash provided by financing activities EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Gross amounts of recognized assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Gross amounts netted in the condensed consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) derivatives Summary of gross liability balances of derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract] Gross amounts of recognized liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Gross amounts netted in the condensed consolidated balance sheet Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) derivatives Gross amounts netted in the condensed consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset (Liability) Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative Asset (Liability) Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 2026 Notes Offering 2026 Notes Offering [Member] 2026 Notes Offering [Member] Additional 2026 Notes Additional 2026 Notes [Member] Additional 2026 Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt issued Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Oil revenues Oil Revenues [Member] Oil Revenues [Member] Natural gas revenues Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Third-party midstream services revenues Third-party Midstream Services Revenues [Member] Third-party Midstream Services Revenues [Member] Total revenues from contracts with customers Oil and Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Oil and Natural Gas Revenues [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenues from contracts with customers Total revenue Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Domain] [Domain] for Long-term Purchase Commitment [Axis] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] Natural Gas Transportation and Fractionation Agreement [Member] 16-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement 16-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] 16-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] 10-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement 10-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] 10-Year Fixed Fee Natural Gas Transportation Agreement [Member] Operational Agreements Operational Agreements [Member] Operational Agreements [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks and Wolf Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks Asset Area Rustler Breaks Asset Area [Member] Rustler Breaks Asset Area Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Corporate Joint Venture Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Eddy County Eddy County [Member] Eddy County [Member] San Mateo Midstream Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Delivery Of Natural Gas And Oil Production To Third Parties [Member] Delivery Of Natural Gas And Oil Production To Third Parties [Member] Delivery Of Natural Gas And Oil Production To Third Parties [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Volume requirement commitment Other Commitment Payment for volume requirement agreement Payment For Other Commitment Payment For Other Commitment Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments and contingencies. Agreement term Supply Agreement, Term Supply Agreement, Term Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Related Part Transaction, Contract Agreement Term Related Part Transaction, Contract Agreement Term Related Part Transaction, Contract Agreement Term Term of contractual obligation Contractual Obligation, Term Contractual Obligation, Term Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Five Point Five Point [Member] Five Point [Member] Matador Resources Company Matador Resources Company [Member] Matador Resources Company [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance-Based Stock Units Performance-Based Stock Units [Member] Performance-Based Stock Units [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units To Be Settled In Cash Service-Based Restricted Stock Units To Be Settled In Cash [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units To Be Settled In Cash [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units Service-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Service-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares granted in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Options granted in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting period of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options and Restricted Stock Grants In Period Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options and Restricted Stock Grants In Period Fair Value Ownership percentage Due to related party Due to Related Parties Capital expenditures incurred Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Deferred performance incentives Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives Deferred performance incentives term Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Term Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Term Contributions to related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Performance incentives earned Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Amount Recognized Equity Method Investment, Deferred Performance Incentives, Amount Recognized Cash paid related to lease liabilities Lessee, Cash Flow [Abstract] Lessee, Cash Flow [Abstract] Operating cash payments for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Investing cash payments for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments, Use Financing cash payments for financing leases Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations entered into during the period Right-Of-Use Asset Obtained [Abstract] Right-Of-Use Asset Obtained [Abstract] Operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Financing leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Mineral Properties Mineral Properties [Member] Mineral Properties [Member] Cash paid for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Increase (decrease) in asset retirement obligations Increase (Decrease) in Asset Retirement Obligations Increase in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures Increase (Decrease) in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties Increase (Decrease) in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties (Decrease) increase in liabilities for midstream properties capital expenditures Increase Decrease in Liabilities for Support Equipment and Facilities Increase decrease in liabilities for support equipment and facilities. Stock-based compensation expense (benefit) recognized as liability Stock-based Compensation Expense Recognized as Liability Stock based compensation expense recognized as liability. Transfer of inventory from (to) oil and natural gas properties Transfer of Inventory From (To) Oil and Natural Gas Properties Transfer of Inventory From (To) Oil and Natural Gas Properties Transfer of inventory to midstream properties Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Transfer of inventory to other property and equipment Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Incremental borrowing rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Increase in borrowing base Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Increase In Borrowing Base Line of credit facility amended maximum borrowing capacity. Maximum borrowing commitment Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum facility amount Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Facility Amount Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Facility Amount Line of credit, accordian feature Line Of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Increase Limit Line Of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Increase Limit Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock units Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Senior Notes Due 2023 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Fair value of notes Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Open Option Contracts Written [Table] Open Option Contracts Written [Table] Open Option Contracts Written [Line Items] Open Option Contracts Written [Line Items] Summary of contracts for oil and natural gas Open Option Contracts Written, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block] Summary of gross asset balances of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of location and aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block]